ereford's Royal Charters are among the finest in the country and bear testimony to the City's long history. The Proclamations and other manuscripts, marking the City's progress for over nearly 1000 years, are kept at the Town Hall, in a strong-room where they are safe from theft and fire. One of the earliest of these and measuring only 5.5" x 4.5" is a grant of "fee farm" by Richard I in 1189. It translates as follows:-
 |
|
A Charter of Henry III in 1227 is a grant to hold a Fair on the Feast of St Denis and the two following days and made Hereford into a market city. A further grant by Henry III in 1265 bestows a Release or Pardon to the citizens in 1267 by Prince Edward, eldest son of Henry, for all trespasses comitted against him during the rebellion.
A Charter of Edward I in 1298 granted tolls on goods exposed for sale in the city to finance the proper repair of the defences. A Grant of Pontage by Richard II in 1383 provided an allowance of timber and stone from the Royal Forest of Haywood for the repair of the Wye Bridge. Then in 1384 a further Charter by Richard II permitted the Chief Bailiff thenceforth to assume the rank and title of Mayor.
In 1597, Elizabeth I granted a Charter of Incorporation, reciting and confirming former Charters. This document is elaborately illuminated. The initial letter is 8" x 7" and depicts a miniature of the Quen arranged in Robes of State. The Royal Seal is very handsome and remains in good condition.
The government of Charles II called in the governing charters of all cities and corporate towns governed by Whig officers after the discovery of the Rye House Plot. A new Charter reserved to the King the confirmation of the appointment of the Chief Steward, Aldermen and the Town Clerk. A Proclamation issued by James II, shortly before his "abdication", restored the former Charters.
In 1690, a Charter by William and Mary, carries one of the finest Royal Seals in the country. These and other documents, some bound into volumes and others kept in sheepskin bags, are amongst the City's finest treasures.
The State Sword of 1677 is 52 inches long with a blade of 37 inces and a cross guard of 12 inches. The Kings Steel, another sword, is believed to have been presented by Henry VIII and is carried only in the event of the death of a reigning Monarch or a Mayor during his year of office.
The Mayor's chain and badge carries the arms of the City and dates from 1876. Among its 21 medalions it has representations of; Queen Elizabeth I, the Arms of the See of Hereford, the Arms of the Dean and Chapter, an apple, a hop, a mistletoe, pear blossom, wheat, an acorn, a bull's head, a salmon and the Old House.
The City Plate is too extensive to describe in full here. Items of particular interest and value include two silver candlesticks dated in London, 1666 which are considered unique examples of such silverwork. The Tomlin Cup, dated 1675, weighs 77oz and holds almost a gallon (Imperial). Another, the Cam Cup, holds 3 quarts and weighs 55oz. In addition there are several pieces of silver presented by army regiments, notably the Hereford Militia, which was disbanded in 1908.
The most recent additions are a figure of a parachutist in silver, presented by 22nd SAS, whose permanent home is Hereford, and a fine silver rosebowl in commemoration of R.A.O.C. and the R.A.O.C. Association in 1968.
Items not of silver but nevertheless of very great interest include two pewter tankards dating from 1667 and 1669, and the fur "Hat of Maintenance", granted by Royal Warrant of Queen Elizabeth I and one of only ten in existence. The present Hat is made of American ermine.